Hedge Woundwort

Lots of Hedge Woundwort (Stachys sylvatica) around the village this year. I have seen it growing in profusion beneath the trees on both the east and the west side of Olympic Park. It is also in the verge beneath the hedgerow in the lane by the allotments. Last year I saw it in the fenced-off wild patch behind the cricket pavilion, and in the CD Nature Reserve too. It is a common plant belonging to the Dead-nettle Family. Apparently it has a very unpleasant smell when the plant is bruised, as in treading on it or picking it. The white markings on the red flowers seem to be rather variable.

Hedge Woundwort is said to have many beneficial properties, mainly as an anti-spasmodic and sedative, and of course, as its name implies, it is considered therapeutic in for healing wounds.